Having recently celebrated 100 days to commencement, this past week has been a time of reflection for NYU Abu Dhabi’s Class of 2023.

“[It still feels like a really big number]” commented Eleanor Holtzapple, who is Senior Class Representative. She got so distracted with running the event that she couldn't take the time to really absorb what it meant. “The day passed by really quickly, [I was up at 7:00 a.m. planning the photo booth, I was running to pick up things that were arriving… making sure people were coming, and everything was set.] It wasn't until after the event that I was like oh my gosh, it's 100 days.”

Saideep Sreekumar, Class of 2023, took a moment to acknowledge the hard work of the Senior Year Committee: “They’re doing great stuff, they're making me feel like it's an actual celebration which I appreciate, I’m excited to graduate.” Sreekumar was especially fond of the “sick merch” for the class.

“It felt really surreal, [seeing everyone who I’ve known since freshman year all gather in this one event was just very nostalgic to me], I feel like we haven't had this kind of event since Marhaba because [Covid-19] took a lot of events from us,” said Katie Ferreol, Class of 2023 and Director of Events in Student Government.

A common theme raised by those interviewed was how the pandemic shaped their time at university. The shared experience of uncertainty stifled the overall university experience for many including certain milestones and opportunities to branch outside of campus life. However, it goes without a doubt that it brought the Class of 2023 closer together.

“I feel very close with my class, we’ve been through a lot of struggles together,” added Sreekumar.

Despite the challenges faced by the Class of 2023, having people to lean on and grow alongside helped create many lifelong memories. Holtzapple touched on how being stuck on campus helped her form tight bonds with her friends.

Ferreol highlighted how instrumental the diversity of the student body was in her personal development.

“Being from a very homogenous country, I feel like it's very rare to have experiences where you get to know people from all kinds of backgrounds, all kinds of economic status… I’m very grateful [that I’ve been able to broaden my horizons and just gain a better understanding about the world around me].

Holtzapple’s highlights included spending her first Ramadan with new friends. “I would sit with them [during] Suhoor, and while they would break their fast… it was so nice to go out into the city with them at 3:00 a.m. and see a totally different side of Abu Dhabi.”

“Junior year was the one year I had roommates, [we had a lot of fun together and got really close over the year]. I had so much fun with them that I canceled my study away and I stayed here, I don't regret it at all,” added Sreekumar.

An integral part of reflection is looking back at how people grow and change with time. The liberal arts Curriculum at NYUAD has given many a chance to explore their interests and realize their passions.

“I think in my first year I had this pressure to kind of take up a major, or lots of opportunities that basically secured me a future,” added Ferreol who although initially was an Economics major, decided that Interactive Media was the right fit for her “after having a lot of heart to hearts with my friends and my family” who through their support helped her cultivate a sense of value for doing what makes her happy.

Similarly, Holtzapple stated, “I thought I was going to go to medical school, I was deciding between medical school and law school, now I'm more considering law school.”

Sreekumar attested to the fact that growth is not restricted to academic decisions, “I did find more about myself here, my relationship with what I consider to be home and my relationships with others. It’s changed how I view my friendships and priorities. I’ve become more satisfied with who I am.”

For Ferreol, the important lesson learnt was not to shy away from new opportunities. “I was scared that I would not be able to fit in but being able to find such a home at NYU Abu Dhabi… [it's such an amazing feeling].”

With lifelong friends, a better sense of their academic journeys, and a mountain of new lessons for the rest of their lives, Class of 2023 sets out into the real world sooner than we would like. A real world with no more campus currency, but beautiful relationships and meaningful careers awaiting them.

As a final message for the graduating class, Holtzapple said, “I just really wish the best for everyone. Both in this semester and whatever happens after.”